Sunday Update

Happy Sunday!

What a difference a week makes, huh? Last Sunday it was 60 and sunny. This Sunday it was 30 and cloudy. Still, I hope everyone had a great week.

YAO had quite a bit going on this week with the House Party at Kyle & Sarah's on Saturday which was a lot of fun, despite the Cats losing. Unfortunately, I forgot to get my camera out, so there are no pictures, but the turnout was great and the food was even better. If you couldn't join us, don't worry, the next party is scheduled for Saturday March 20th at 6:30pm and the Jernigan's house. I'll have more details and an address soon.

We also had a very good showing for Sunday school this week (we even used up all of the extra chairs and had to go find more!). Woody led the class in a brief history of the church. We covered everything from Jesus to Martin Luther to the rise of denominations in just under an hour. Missed out? Join us next Sunday as Kyle leads us in Worship 101. The coffee is good and the company is even better!

This week is the inaugural Pub Club meeting at Two Key's Tavern. We will be discussing Spirituality vs Religion and how both of those concepts fit into our lives as young adults. Please join us this Wednesday, March 3rd, at 6:30pm to kick off what we hope becomes one of the best and most interesting events on the calendar.

101 Class

Hey Everyone,

This Sunday Woody will be teaching the 101 class in the Johnston Parlor. The topic for this Sunday is "Big C" Church History. I hope you all will join us as we take a look back at the history of the church.

House Party This Saturday!

I hope everyone is having a great Friday and has survived the latest round of snow. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for spring!

This is just a quick reminder about the House Party coming up Tomorrow Saturday February 27th at 11:30am at Kyle and Sarah's House. We will be watching the UK/UT basketball game. And I hope to see everyone there to cheer on the Cats as they beat Tennessee for the second time this season.

We Want Your Opinion

Today, after Sunday School (YAO: The 101s--come join us Sundays at 9:30 in the Johnston Parlor), Chip Weitkamp asked those of us in attendance to share some of our opinions about what we'd like to see for the upcoming sanctuary renovations. Because they want to collect as many opinions as possible, from anyone who would like to share them, he asked me to share his email address with you all here on the Blog so that you could email him with any ideas/opinions/suggestions you might have.

Just a bit of background on what they are considering:

They are looking at replacing the carpet (which is getting old and worn) as well as possibly doing some work to the dais, lowering the wall that separates the choir from the rest of us, and replacing the pew cushions. What they want is for you to share any ideas or opinions you might have with them. So, if any of you have an opinions (which I know you do, because we tend to be an opinionated group) please share them with Chip by emailing him at: creweitkamp@gmail.com .

He'll be looking forward to hearing from you!

Sunday Update

Hey guys, I hope you all had a chance to get out today and enjoy the fabulous weather. I know I did. It was a nice change from all the cold and snow we've been having.

This week was the start Lent, and it was also the start of several new programs here at Maxwell Street. Thursday was our first Workday Getaway Lunch and, although I was not able to make it, Kyle informed me that it went well. We had a small group, but a good group. I hope that more of you can join us as we go along. The next lunch will be Thursday March 18th at Sawyer's in downtown.

This morning was also the first Sunday of the YAO Sunday school class The 101s. The topic this morning was Maxwell Street 101 and we learned a little about the history of Maxwell Street before we went on to discuss where we thought the Church universal and Maxwell Street in specific are today and where we think they need to be. It was a fun way to start off the day, and I encourage all of you to join us next Sunday at 9:30am (there will be coffee to help you wake up) in the Johnston Parlor. I'm not sure what the next topic will be, but Kyle should be posting a schedule shortly.

After church today, we had a large group go to lunch at Puccini's for a little fellowship and a chance to find out what all we have planned for the YAOs through the spring. It was a great chance to meet some new people, have some good food, and get everyone connected to what is going on. If you couldn't join us for lunch, the schedule of events is all posted here on the blog as well as on the Google calendar (which you find a link to under the Young Adults Only page on www.maxpres.org).

Coming up this week:

The February House Party at Kyle & Sarah's House is this Saturday (Feb 27th) at 11:30am. Come ready to cheer on the Cats (or the Vols, if you must) and bring some food to share. Everyone is welcome, including kids!

And don't forget about Sunday School next Sunday. The 101s will continue, lead by Woody (for this week) and I'm sure Kyle will be letting us in on the topic soon.

Hope you all had a great week!

YAOs: The 101s

Starting on Sunday, February 21 at 9:15 a.m.

A new class for Young Adults Only (YAOs) will be offered on the topic The 101s — like Baptism 101, Bible 101, Communion 101, and The Church 101. Woody & Kyle will be leading the class, which will include coffee, learning, and a good time, with childcare provided. The class will be held in the Johnston Parlor.

Pub Club--March--Religion vs Spirituality

Join us for the March edition of Pub Club on March 3rd from 6:30-8:00pm at Two Key's Tavern.

The discussion topic for this month will be Religion vs Spirituality, What's the Difference? So give it some thought and come ready to share your own ideas and opinions. The more voices we have, the better the discussion is likely to be.

Pub Club meets the 1st Wednesday of every month to discuss a new topic. Haven't been yet? Don't worry, each month we talk about something new, so you won't be behind.

And here's a link to the Facebook event page.

House Party--UK vs UT Game

Come join us at Kyle and Sarah’s house ( 912 Maywick Dr) to watch the UK basketball team take on the Tennessee Vols on Saturday February 27th. The game starts at noon, but we will gather at 11:30 so that everyone can be in place by tip (but feel free to arrive later if you need to). Everyone is welcome, just be ready to cheer on the Cats (or the Vols......but I recommend the Cats). Everyone is asked to bring an appetizer or dessert to share with the group.

And here's a link to the Facebook Event Page.

Workday Getaway Lunch--Joe Bologna's Restaurant & Pizzeria

Come join us for our inaugural Workday Getaway Lunch--and what better place to start things off than the place where Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church started.

The land, on the corner of Maxwell and Lawrence Streets, and between South Upper and Limestone Streets, was purchased in March, 1890, by the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Lexington. It was dedicated on April 17, 1891, as the Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church. By August, 1891, they had erected a "handsome brick church, trimmed in stone, lighted by gas, heated by a furnace and furnished with modern pews, capable of seating comfortably four hundred worshipers."

Meet us at Joe Bologna's for lunch at 11:30am on Thursday February 18th. We will be sure to be done by 12:30 so everyone can get back to work.

Never been to Joe B's? Check out their website: http://joebolognas.com/ for a menu and other details. Their address (if you need a map or directions) is 120 W. Maxwell Street. If you think you might want to join us, please RSVP in the comment's section (we won't hold you to it, but we do need at least some idea of how many people to expect). Can't wait to see you all there!

And here's a link to the Facebook Event Page.

Workday Getaway Lunches UK/Downtown Area

Do you work in the Downtown/UK Area? Do you need to get out of the office sometimes? Then join us at 11:30am on the 3rd Thursday of every month for a fellowship lunch.

Everyone gets stressed out about work, and everyone needs a break (and a chance to talk to people you don't see every day from 9-5), so we thought we'd make it easy for you. We'll take care of finding the location (although suggestions are always welcome). And we'll figure out how big of a table to get. All you have to do is show up at 11:30 ready to eat. It doesn't get much easier than that. I'm willing to bet there may even be people who would like to carpool with you if you are so inclined.

The location will rotate between various restaurants in the downtown area so that no one has to travel too far, and we will try to get in and out as quickly as possible so that everyone can get back to work in under an hour (and no one's boss gets cranky). There will be no set program, no discussion topic, no agenda. This is simply a good old fashioned lunch out. Here is a list of the first few locations. More information on each will be posted as the date nears, so check back!

• February 18th--Joe Bologna's (120 W. Maxwell Street)
• March 18th--Sawyer's (325 W. Main Street)
• April 15th--Jalapenos Mexican Grill (1030 South Broadway)
• May 20th--Tin Roof (303 South Limestone Street

Because we need a general idea of number, we ask that you RSVP if you are thinking of coming. We aren't asking for a firm commitment--after all, we know that with work, things can change very quickly--and we won't be upset if you don't show, but we want to make sure we have a seat for you if you do come. So please make sure to RSVP to the Facebook event or in the Comment's sections of the post for the event.

Work in another part of town? Let us know. If we find that there are several people in you area who would like to participate as well, we can set up a group for you too!

House Parties? What?

As Kyle so eloquently put it, gathering in people's homes has always been an integral part of Christianity. The early church functioned almost entirely out of private homes, Jesus spent a large portion of his ministry teaching, eating, and "hanging out" with his disciples in the homes of others.

So, if it's good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for us, right? ;)

The idea for the monthly house parties came out of a need to have a somewhat regular fellowship event for the Young Adults at Maxwell Street. The only problem was, that when we tried having them at various public locations around town it created several problems. Child care was an issue for those with families, and many people felt awkward just showing up to a restaurant/bowling alley/theater when they weren't sure who was going to be there or what time everyone else was going to show. We also needed a way to gather ideas from the Young Adult community about what kinds of events & programs they wanted to see happen. It was out of this conundrum that the idea of the House Party was born.

We started with something that everyone loves--a good Holiday Party--and it was a huge success. So now, we are hoping to build on that success in 2010.

Here's how it will work. Every month a different member of the group will volunteer to host a gathering either at their home or at a public location (like Keeneland or a park). The date, time, and theme will be left up to the host. Because we want to make this as easy as possible for everyone involved, everyone who attends will be asked to bring either an appetizer or dessert (or both!) to share with the group.

More specific information on each event will be posted as the date nears, but here is a list the next few parties so you can go ahead and mark your calendars:

• February 27th 11:30am--UK vs UT game Party @ Kyle & Sarah's House
• March 20th 6:30pm--Game Night @ Tonya & Matthew Jernigan's House
• April 10th 11:30am--Keeneland Day Tailgate & Day at the Races @ Keeneland Race Course (Hosted by Kim Carrico)

We would love volunteers for May, June, July, & August. If you would like to host a party, please let us know! Don't know what your "theme" could be? We have plenty of ideas. Just drop us a line and we'll help you get it all figured out!

House Fellowship Gatherings

Mainline churches are searching for dynamic and engaging models for young adult ministry. According to Neil Cole, “Churches have tried all kinds of ways to attract new and younger members - revised vision statements, hipper worship, contemporary music, livelier sermons, bigger and better auditoriums. But there are still so many people who aren't being reached, who don't want to come to church.” The reality is, church attempts to put young adults in a box, forcing them to fit into a mold established by years of tradition. At Maxwell Street we are exploring new and exciting ways to help young adults find an authentic faith. At Maxwell Street we are trying to bridge the old and the new, as we attempt to live our faith.
One way we are bridging this gap is through house fellowship gatherings. For young adults the Kingdom of God seems to come alive in the places where life happens and where culture is formed - restaurants, bars, coffeehouses, parks, and neighborhoods. For nearly three hundred years, early Christians met almost exclusively in private homes, they met in their communities surrounded by a group of people searching for an authentic faith. Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church wants to join with you on your journey.
We hope these monthly house fellowship gatherings will allow us the opportunity to live and learn from each other as we journey together.

Welcome!

Welcome to the new (and exciting) Young Adults Only (YAO) Blog for the Young Adults of Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church in Lexington, KY. This is the place to come for information on what is going on with the young adult population at Maxwell Street.

What is YAO?

I'm so glad you asked.

We at Maxwell Street have created a group that is open to all young adults, whether they are single or married, twenty-three or thirty-five, with or without children. As a church centered on mission, diversity, and inclusion we understand the importance and gifts young adults offer to a community of faith. We need your energy, your enthusiasm, and your ideas in order to make the Gospel of justice, peace, and love come alive in our church. It is our hope that this new ministry geared toward you will enrich and enliven these voices. We also hope it will provide you with the opportunities to gather with other young adults so that we may share and reflect on our life journey and self-discovery together, offer a space to encounter the intersection of faith and (post)modern life, provide opportunities for serving others, and achieve all of this while holding onto a sense of fun and fellowship.

So what does YAO do?

We have tried our best to provide a variety of events and opportunities that will encompass fellowship, learning, and mission. More detailed information on each even will be available in a separate post (and date specific info will be posted as the event date nears) but below you will find a list of some of our offerings and what to expect:

House Parties
Perhaps our most popular event is the monthly house parties. They are designed as fellowship events where we can get to know one another and have some fun. The theme/location/time will change depending on who is hosting and what they prefer but they will always be open to everyone (including children). For most events, everyone will be asked to bring an appetizer or dessert to share (so that the host does not have to feed us all). I can't tell you exactly what is in store, but I can promise that they will be fun!

When? On a monthly basis. The date and time will change depending on the event.
Where? Each month's event will be hosted by a different member of the group at their home, or at a neutral location. Want to host? Leave a comment below and we will contact you.

Workday Getaway Lunches
One of our newest offerings is a monthly workday lunch to give everyone a chance to get out of the office and relax (even if it is just for an hour). Each lunch will last less than an hour and will be held at a different location in the UK/Downtown Area. No pressure, no program, just a good old fashioned fellowship event to help us all de-stress after a long morning at the office. More info will be posted about each location as the date approaches and we ask that if you are even considering coming, you let us know (via a comment) so that we can get a table to accommodate the group. You don't have to make a firm commitment (we know that things can change when work is involved), but if you think you may come, just let us know.

When? The 3rd Thursday of each month (beginning February 18th) at 11:30am
Where? The location will vary. Watch the blog for more info.

Pub Club
Pub Club is a group that will meet for some light discussion every month in, of all places, a bar! Yes, you read that right, there is a church group that meets in a bar! We believe that God can be found everywhere and that sometimes the best discussions and debates happen in the places where you feel most comfortable. The group will meet once a month with each meeting being a stand alone discussion (so don't fret if you have to miss a month, you won't be behind). The topics will be things that are relevant to our generation--be it a current event or something more broad--and we ask that you bring your own opinions and ideas as well as an open mind.

When? The 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm (beginning March 3rd)
Where? Two Key's Tavern (333 South Limestone Street).

Mission Work
Maxwell Street is a church that is heavily mission oriented, and we feel that our Young Adults have a lot to offer in this area. Various mission opportunities will be posted here on the blog, and we encourage everyone to participate as much as they can. We will do our best to offer a wide range of opportunities which take advantage of the varied gifts present in our group. There will be chances to help serve the Thursday Night community meal, charity events, and the collection of items to be given to those in need. If you have any idea or suggestions for other things you would like to do, please feel free to let us know. We are always looking for new ways to get involved in mission work.

Anything sound like fun? Is there something you would like to see offered? Drop us a line (or a comment) and we will see what we can do!

How can I get more Information?

There is a Google Calendar set up with all of our events, dates, times, locations, and other info which can be found on the Young Adults Only page of the Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church website. A link to this blog can be found there as well. You can also find us on Facebook where we have our own group (the Maxwell Street Presbyterian Young Adult Group) where you can find much of the same information that will be posted here. And, if you want a chance to meet some of the group face to face, we try to have informational lunches immediately following worship (~11:30am) 3 times a year where we will have a list of all the events planned for that 4 month period (Spring/Summer/Fall). Our next one is Sunday February 21st. I hope to see you there!